Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has stated that Russian President Vladimir Putin fears strong leaders and meaningful negotiations. The Kremlin chief’s reluctance to engage in peace talks, he said,

Vladimir Putin discussed Ukraine's sovereignty and its reliance on Western support in a recent interview, questioning Zelenskyy's leadership legitimacy.

Talks with Ukraine were possible but not with its President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Russian leader Vladimir Putin said Tuesday, also suggesting the

Putin told Russian state television that negotiations with Ukraine were complicated by President Volodymyr Zelenskiy's "illegitimacy" in remaining in power beyond his mandate with no authority to sign documents.

Speaking previously about possible talks, the Russian President emphasised that any peace deal should respect the “realities on the ground.” View on euronews

Russian President Vladimir Putin said that talks with Ukraine were possible but not with its President Volodymyr Zelensky, whom he deemed "illegitimate".